
Transcriber's Note:
WINE, WATER AND SONG
NOTE
The Englishman
Wine and Water
The Song Against Grocers
The Rolling English Road
The Song of Quoodle
Pioneers, O Pioneers
The Logical Vegetarian
A lively assortment of verses invites listeners into a world where mythic heroes, biblical figures and everyday tradespeople collide over tankards of ale and mischievous rhymes. The poet’s playful language turns St. George into a boisterous pub‑goer and gives Noah a surreal ostrich farm, all while keeping a light‑hearted, almost conversational tone. Each stanza feels like a toast, a wink, and a gentle poke at the absurdities of tradition.
Among the standout pieces, a scathing “Song Against Grocers” lampoons market merchants with vivid, tongue‑in‑cheek imagery, while “The Rolling English Road” sketches a wandering reveler’s journey through countryside taverns. The collection balances sharp satire with affectionate celebration of English drinking culture, weaving clever wordplay with memorable rhythms. Listeners will find themselves humming along to the chorus of “wine and water” and chuckling at the clever twists on familiar legends.
The result is an engaging listening experience that feels like sharing a round with a witty, well‑read companion. The narrator’s cadence captures the bounce of the verses, making the poetry feel both intimate and communal. Whether you’re a fan of satire, folklore, or simply enjoy a good lyrical romp, the book offers a charming escape into a world where every line is a toast to merriment.
Language
en
Duration
~22 minutes (21K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jana Srna, Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
Jan 29, 2011
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1874–1936
Best known for the Father Brown stories, he wrote with sparkling wit and a gift for turning big ideas into lively, memorable prose. His essays, novels, and religious writings made him one of the most distinctive English voices of the early 20th century.
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